I wonder if removing the larger class BG could result in earlier sexual maturity and spawning of the more numerous next smaller class BG? Could this result in an actual increase in the small BG population over what the current large BG produce?
I think this is likely.
Just something to think about. It isn't a static situation. Its not the standing weight that is feeding the LMB. It is the production. If a BOW is at carrying capacity for BG and there is little mortality of the older BG then there will be very little production of YOY BG. Swingle noted that when BG prey isn't in good supply the male BG consume the eggs and spawns fail. On the other hand if the carrying capacity exceeds the standing weight considerably, the BG will breed prolifically and fry survival is improved (due to reduced BG competition and BG predation of fry). If LMB are cropping these YOY as they reach 2" then the BG can produce multiple crops/spawns because the space for the YOY remains available.
